It used to be a rite of passage, but new research suggests that money worries, family responsibilities and age are stopping people in the UK from taking a gap year.
International Currency Exchange (ICE), polled over 2,000 Britons on their thoughts about taking a gap year, what would stop them, and how they would fund the trip.
Despite nearly two thirds (61%) of people wanting to take time out of work to study or travel in the next five years, worries about the impact on their career (11%), lack of funds (52%) and family responsibilities (18%) are stopping them from taking the plunge.
The top five things stopping Brits from taking a gap year are:
- Lack of money (52%)
- Family/childcare responsibilities (18%)
- Feeling too old (17%)
- Partner doesn’t want to go (16%)
- Worried about the impact on career (11%)
After a lack of funds, family and childcare responsibilities were touted as the top reason women didn’t want to take time out, with over a fifth of women saying this would stop them going on an extended trip (21%), while for men, their partner not wanting to come with them was their second biggest reason for not being able to take time off (17%).
One of the biggest worries for 25-34 year olds was the impact on their career, with 16% saying this would stop them from taking a gap year.
However, as people who have taken a gap year after a number of years in work can attest, taking time out to travel doesn’t have to have a detrimental effect on your career.
Steve Sutterby, 31, took a year off from his job to work and travel in Canada. Speaking about the benefits of taking time out to travel, he said: “In 2015 I was seriously fed up with my career and routine London life, and was running out of time to go to Canada because of my age and the IEC visa age limit being 30. But I’m so glad I decided to take up the opportunity. My lifestyle was very different at Blue Mountain and my mindset towards life has changed. I once placed great emphasis on an established career path to form the backbone of my lifestyle decisions, but I have now learned that there is no greater wealth than the interactions with new and diverse people, places and cultures, which requires no formal structure or plan to achieve.”
Vicki Cunningham, Commercial Director at Volunteer and Work Abroad Experts, BUNAC, doesn’t believe gap years should be reserved for those fresh out of school and believes there can be many benefits to taking a career break. She commented: “Gap years are not just for students - they are great for anyone who is craving a change from the daily grind of working life in exchange for a refreshing new environment.
"Overseas volunteering and Teaching English as a Foreign Language are great ways to experience a new culture and make a difference. However, if you’d prefer a working holiday where you can earn as you travel, it’s vital to check the visa requirements and any age limits for your destination. Canada and Australia have upper age limits of 30 for their working holiday visas. Whatever your age though, it’s never too late - travelling is good for mind, body and soul!”
Commenting on the results of the research, International Currency Exchange CEO Koko Sarkari said: “Our research has shown that despite many people wanting to take a gap year, they are extremely worried about the financial implications travelling can create. But that doesn’t mean it is out of the question. Whether it’s a weekend away or a full year off, travel is all about challenging yourself, broadening your horizons and learning new skills. With careful planning, it can be open to everybody.
“If you are worried about your finances, make sure you assess the full cost of taking time away and review your funding position. Give yourself weekly allowances and write down your expenses to cancel out the things that aren't really necessary, and book your trip early so you know exactly how much everything is going to cost.”
